The ESRC Festival of Social Science is a week-long nationwide festival which celebrates the social sciences. Taking place each autumn, the Festival offers a fascinating insight into some of the country's leading social science research and how it influences our social, economic and political lives - both now and in the future. You may be surprised at just how relevant the Festival's events are to society today. Social science research makes a difference. Discover how it shapes public policy and contributes to making the economy more competitive, as well as giving people a better understanding of 21st century society. From big ideas to the most detailed observations, social science affects us all everyday - at work, in school, when raising children, within our communities, and even at the national level. Everyone - from schoolchildren to politicians - can take part in and hear about social science research in the Festival's many engaging events. This celebration of the social sciences takes place across the UK - via public debates, conferences, workshops, interactive seminars, film screenings, virtual exhibitions and much more. This is the tenth year that ESRC has held the Festival of Social Science and each year the Festival grows from strength to strength.